Melinda G. Hollingshead, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Chief

Biological Testing Branch

Developmental therapeutics Program
National Cancer Institute
1050 Boyles St.
Bldg 1043/11
Frederick, MD 21702
Phone: 301-846-5608
FAX: 301-846-6183
Email: hollingm@mail.nih.gov

Dr. Melinda Hollingshead has served as Chief of the Biological Testing Branch at NCI since 2005. The Biological Testing Branch (BTB) establishes patient derived xenograft (PDX) models, isolates cell lines from PDX models and conducts preclinical anti-cancer drug evaluations in relevant rodent models. Additionally, the BTB manages the distribution of cell lines and tumor samples from the DCTD Repository. Dr. Hollingshead completed certification [MT (ASCP)] and worked as a medical technologist prior to attending veterinary school at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. After working in private veterinary practice, she completed a Ph.D. in Veterinary Medical Sciences at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Subsequently, she was employed at Southern Research Institute where she rose to Head of Virology Division B and managed a Biocontainment Safety Level 3 facility while conducting in vitro and in vivo studies on viruses of military significance. After joining the Biological Testing Branch at NCI, she established a murine model for human immunodeficiency virus drug testing as well as a high capacity hollow-fiber based anti-cancer drug screen. Dr. Hollingshead has co-authored more than 100 peer-reviewed scientific publications, 17 book chapters and is an inventor on 4 patents.